Innovation

Future of Energy Storage through Nanomaterials to be Explored by Masdar Institute and the Korea Basic Science Institute

September 21, 2018

Abu Dhabi-UAE: 04 March, 2015 – The Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, an independent, research-driven graduate-level university focused on advanced energy and sustainable technologies, and The Korea Basic Science Institute (KBSI) today announced they have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate on research in the field of energy storage devices and nano materials.

“Innovations for energy storage are critically important to the practical implementation of sustainable energy solutions in the UAE,” said Dr. Fred Moavenzadeh, President, Masdar Institute. “Research into nanomaterials plays a crucial role in delivering the next generation of energy storage technology, and this collaboration with the Korea Basic Science Institute will help to propel this field of research forward.”
 
The two institutions will drive innovations in these two areas and will organize joint knowledge sharing sessions, joint studies, research projects and training activities, to bring technical expertise and human capital to the UAE and the region.

“As a scientific institute that aims to strengthen world-class exploration of this field, we are delighted to work with another research-driven institution such as Masdar Institute. This MoU adds to our global collaboration network with overseas advanced research institutes in accelerating the generation of world-class research results. We firmly believe our combined research assets will result in breakthrough inventions that will benefit the global community,” said Dr. Kwang Hwa Chung, President, KBSI.

The MoU was signed by Dr. Kwang Hwa Chung, and Dr. Fred Moavenzadeh, at the Masdar Institute campus. Representatives from the governments of the UAE and South Korea as well as officials and faculty members from both institutions including Dr. Steve Griffiths, Executive Director, Office of Institute Initiatives, and Professor of Practice, Masdar Institute, Kim Sun Pyo, Minister of the Korean Embassy at UAE, Jong Im Lee, Director of International and Public Relations (KBSI), and Min Soon Park (KBSI), were present on the occasion.
 
Dr. Hae Jin Kim, Principal Researcher of KBSI and Dr. Saif Al Mheiri Assistant Professor, Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Masdar Institute, will be the principal contacts to lead the collaboration.
 
Some areas the MoU will cover include collaboration on synthesizing and studying in detail nanostructured novel energy storage materials, functionalizing nanostructured materials and electrochemical characterization of energy storage devices, and fabricating graphene/graphene oxide for energy storage. It will also cover developing of new technologies for nanostructured materials production using novel fabrication techniques, developing surface and interface analysis of low dimensional nano-materials, physical and chemical properties characterization of functional nanostructured materials, and developing new technologies for imaging nanomaterials with high-resolution electron microscopes.
 
According to the MoU, both institutions will exchange scientific materials, publications and information, while promoting the development of joint studies, research and training activities. At the same time, each institution will also exchange researchers for giving lectures, organizing symposiums, and engaging in workshops and conducting scientific research.
 
The KBSI leads in nano science research in the fields of energy storage devices, memory devices, and the recovery of rare earth metals such as the lithium through the identification of physical properties, as well as research into the structures of advanced new material at a nano-level and research of three-dimensional structures and solid substances.
 
Through a dynamic system of Institute Research Centers (iCenters) and sponsored research centers, Masdar Institute has been able to obtain six registered patents, with 52 pending patents and 82 invention disclosures. With its human capital development in clean energy and advanced technology areas, Masdar Institute is contributing to creating a UAE innovation ecosystem that positively impacts the country’s economy.